“I just love the people here, I love the creativity, I love the energy. I love how everyone helps everyone.”

“And the food. We’re missing the mark on the food. Luigi’s is the best pizza you’re going to get.”

“All my family is from here. It’s where my roots are.”

― Matthew Luna, 31, flooring and construction

“My kids are very artistic and the art scene here in Akron is incredibly strong. It’s perfect.”

― Yoly Miller Heisler, 49, freelancer

“I love the way the city is set up. ... Twenty-three different neighborhoods, all diverse in nature. It’s a hub, if you will, for artists. Visual artists, vocal, poets, singers, dancers. A lot of people don’t know that about Akron.”

― Ace Epps, 46, community manager for BMe Akron

“It really has bits of the best of what America has to offer. ... We maintain an optimism and, hopefully, a unity here that can maybe be a little unique.”